TRADE AND FINANCE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 101, 30 March 1925, Page 5

TRADE AND FINANCE.

STOCIC EXCHANGE QUIET. LONDON, March 28. The Sto k Exchange remains under a cloud. All markets are suffering from liesit ition and uncertainty and business is on a small scale in almost every dep irtment. According to one authority, this stato of affairs is mainly duo to ‘‘adverse monetary conditions, uncertainties attaching to the impending Budget, and qualms of uneasiness regarding the effects of the reintroduction of the gold standard.” Another disquieting element has been the unexpected issue of a thirty millions 3 i ier cent, conversion loan, which sent all British gilt-edged securities down, sharply. It is satisfactory to note that tho only stocks to withstand this shock were the Colonial Government group, which remain quite steady. ‘•The tri de situation is best described as stag lant,” says the Economist, in a montl ly summary of the state of trade at Lome and abroad, “but general indica .ions confirm the view that there is n< actual setback to trade. The numbe r in receipt of poor law relief is inuel. less than a year ago, while wages remi in about stationary. Bank advances ti > industry are still tending to increase The note circulation is high and 1 msiness lias been comparatively free from trade disputes. Conditions outside Europe suggest that the present stagnation is only temporary. Austi alia, India, South America, Canada anil even China, all report a greater or of improvements and the prosperity of these countries n ust ultimately reflect itself in better irade here.”—A. and N.Z. cable.